Bionic Engineering Solutions Inspired by Nature: The Invention of Velcro | Innovative Fastening Technology for Outdoor Gear, Medical Devices & Daily Use

Velcro is a synthetic material that is used to fasten two surfaces together. It is madeof two strips of material, one with hooks and the other with loops. When the two strips arepressed together, the hooks catch on the loops and hold the two surfaces together.Velcro was invented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1941. De Mestral washiking in the Swiss Alps when he noticed that the burrs of a cocklebur plant had becomeembedded inhis clothing. He studied the burrs under a microscope and discovered that they had tinyhooks that caught on the fibers of his clothing.De Mestral realized that he could use the same principle to create a new type offastener. He developed a synthetic material that mimicked the hooks of the burrs, andVelcro wasborn.Velcro was first used in the 1950s on shoes and clothing. It quickly became popularbecause it was easy to use and durable. In the 1960s, Velcro was used in spacesuits andotherastronaut gear. In the 1970s, Velcro was used in medical devices, such as bandages andsurgical gowns.